African economies need reliable, regionally integrated transport infrastructure to facilitate access to markets and grow import and export capacity.

PORT OF MAPUTO – MOZAMBIQUE

Standard Bank has been closely involved in the development of the Port of Maputo over the past 16 years, supporting the port’s evolution into an efficient, well-equipped and highly competitive facility. In 2003, Standard Bank was among the initial lenders when the port was concessioned, and we have continued to support the port’s development, including providing finance toward both the first and second major dredging operations of the port over the period between 2011 to 2018, ensuring the port continues to compete regionally and globally through its ability to accommodate larger vessels and handle greater volumes of cargo. Since the dredging process was completed, productivity rates have improved substantially, turnaround times are highly competitive, and the introduction of new equipment is enabling further improvements to operational efficiency, and increased handling capacity.

In 2019 we co-arranged and participated in two further major long-term financings, for a combined nominal funding amount of approximately USD140 million, to enable the ongoing expansion and development of the port, including infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the higher capacity vessels now able to call on the port, and handling equipment to further increase efficiencies and maintain the port’s competitiveness.